FOOD: Barney Greengrass [Upper West Side]

I have been on the Upper West Side for about a year and a half now and Barney Greengrass is a place that I’ve been meaning to try. It’s basically a Manhattan institution that I feel weird about not having tried yet, but when I went the other day I was so happy I did.

Zabar’s is another classic location for procuring delicious specialty food, but what Barney Greengrass does so well in particular is their smoked fish. I LOVE an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese, and walking into Barney Greengrass, I was almost overwhelmed by the choices. First of all, everyone is incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I was immediately offered a table with full service or I could just grab something at the deli counter and sit down. I chose the latter but will certainly go back to sit down and see what they have to offer in the other room.

After perusing the menu, I chose their lox with cream cheese. I was a little surprised by the $15 price tag, but I will say it was one of the best bagel sandwiches I’ve ever had. I love these kinds of places that have stood the test of time in New York City (Katz’s deli, Zabar’s, etc.). Something to keep in mind–right off the bat it looks like the kind of place that won’t take credit cards and I was right. Thankfully, I had a $20 in my wallet to cover the cost.

With a delicious home-made tasting pickle, the sandwich was just what I wanted. The salmon was salty and fresh and the cream cheese was creamy and delicious. The bagel was also one of the best I’ve had in a while and I will certainly be going back to try some other fish, which is one of my favorite things to eat.

So next time you’re on the Upper West Side, which might not be that often at all, pop into Barney Greengrass and do yourself a favor and have one of their sandwiches.